Cassandra Ong tearfully tells of ties with Duanren Wu

Cassandra Ong, authorized representative of Lucky South 99, the raided POGO firm in Porac, Pampanga, became emotional Tuesday as she narrated how she was affiliated with Duanren Wu.

Wu is an incorporator of Whirlwind Corp., which leases the land where the Lucky South 99 compound in Porac, Pampanga is located.

During the continuation of the Senate investigation into illegal POGO hubs, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was scrutinizing how Ong got into the offshore gaming operation, particularly how she became affiliated with Whirlwind Corporation.

"Sa ninong ko po (Because of my godfather)," Ong answered.

Asked if she was referring to Wu, Ong replied in the affirmative.

According to Ong, her mom introduced Wu as her "godfather" a long time ago.

Her mother and Wu were best friends and they met in China, she added.

"Nu'ng nandito na siya, siya 'yung naging dahilan kung bakit ka nakapasok sa (When he was here, he was the reason you joined) Whirlwind Corporation?" Gatchalian asked.

Ong responded, "Siya na po 'yung tumayong parang parents ko na rin po (He was like a parent to me)."

At this point, Ong broke into tears.

"Pagpunta niya ng Pilipinas kasi kakaalis lang po ng mama ko (My mother just left me when he arrived in the Philippines)," Ong said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros then asked Ong why was she crying.

"Nu'ng time na 'yun, kakawala lang ng mom ko. Sorry...Namatay mom ko (During that time, I just lost my mother. Sorry...My mom died)," she said.

This was December in 2017, according to Ong.

However, Ong no longer provided details when Gatchalian asked questions as to her positions in Whirlwind Corporation.

Ong repeatedly invoked her right against self-incrimination, explaining that her answers might be used against her in the cases that could be filed against her. —AOL, GMA Integrated News